Arata Izumi sets sight on India return

After making an instant impact in his inaugural season of the Indian Super League, Japanese born Arata Izumi is hoping to do well for his new I-League club Mumbai FC. Izumi who became the first foreigner to be selected in the Indian team in 2013 after he obtained an Indian passport in August 2012, is also looking forward to make a comeback in the national side.

“I wanted to play for this club and now I got the opportunity and I want to do well. I always want to play for India that’s why I changed my citizenship to India from Japan. I am waiting for my chance to come and for that I have to play my best,” he said.

Izumi, who started playing in Singapore first, moved to India in 2006. He played for East Bengal without success. He later played two seasons for the now disbanded Mahindra United where he didn’t get to start much.

But his promise as a playmaker impressed coach Derrick Pereira who was instrumental to bring him to Pune FC.

The 33-year-old made Pune his home since 2009, created a dedicated fan base there with his silken skills and also got married. But disbanding of Pune FC’s I-League team last season meant Izumi had to look elsewhere again.

“Mumbai FC coach (Khalid Jamil) showed great respect for me. That touched me.

“It is up to me grab my new support here,” he said.

Izumi with nine international caps made it into the list of 10 elite players in the first ever ISL auction in July.

Atletico de Kolkata picked him up for '68 lakhs (base price '40 lakhs). He didn’t disappoint them by scoring five goals in nine appearances. He made an impact every time he was on the field but injuries didn’t allow him to play all games.

“It was exciting. Imagine playing in front of 60,000 crowds every match. It was honour to play with some great international and top Indian players. The set up was fantastic. It was a life time experience,” he said.

“I am totally satisfied with the composition of the team. This is the first time that I took my time to chose and pick my players,” coach Jamil said.